MEET ABIGAIL SMITH: SURVIVOR AND ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

By Precious Mupenzi

• Abigail Smith, a 35-year-old mother from Cape Town, bravely recounts her harrowing experience of being kidnapped, trafficked, and ultimately finding her voice as a survivor advocate.
• Despite facing corruption within law enforcement, Abigail remains hopeful for justice and continues to fight against human trafficking by working with non-profit organisations to support other survivors.
• Now a leader in the fight against human trafficking, Abigail uses her experience to advocate for victims’ rights, support survivor-led initiatives, and challenge the system that allowed her exploitation to persist.

Abigail Smith, a 35-year-old mother living in Cape Town, shared her harrowing journey of being kidnapped and trafficked with DSD News. Originally from Pretoria, Abigail’s story is not just about amplifying the voices of survivors but also about reclaiming her own. Welcoming the DSD News Team to her office, Abigail proudly spoke about how finding purpose through her work has transformed her life. Now employed and able to pay her bills, she appreciates the supportive environment she works in, which has been crucial to her ongoing healing journey.

“When I feel heavy, I remember the darkness God brought me out of, the way He rescued me, and I am grateful that He heard my cries even in that place of evil. I also remember the army of saints that have come alongside me, and I know I have a support system of people who love me.”

A Normal Day Turned Nightmare

In 2019, what started as an ordinary day for Abigail, then an intern at a media house in Johannesburg, quickly descended into a nightmare. While taking a walk to clear her head, she encountered a seemingly kind stranger. Little did she know, this stranger was a kidnapper. Abigail was abducted and taken to a house in Johannesburg, where she found herself among other trafficked girls.

“They took all my personal belongings, including my identity document,” Abigail recalls. “The perpetrator instilled fear, making me feel utterly powerless.”

Life Under Captivity

Abigail was subjected to horrific conditions, used for sexual exploitation, and prohibited from interacting with anyone.

“Even the police officers and neighbours were on the payroll of the perpetrator,” she says, highlighting the complicity of those who should have protected her. “Women who are kidnapped for human trafficking or sexual exploitation are often victims of organised crime involving high-ranking individuals.”

The girls were beaten, sexually abused, and forced to see clients. Despite a previous escape attempt, Abigail found herself back in the clutches of her captors due to the spiritual and psychological manipulation she endured.

A Daring Escape and New Beginnings

Abigail’s successful escape was bittersweet. The six months she spent in captivity felt like an eternity. With the help of a client who initially seemed trustworthy but later tried to kidnap her again, she managed to escape and found herself homeless on the streets of Cape Town for weeks. Pregnant and desperate, she was eventually rescued by a good Samaritan who notified an anti-trafficking organisation via the hotline (0800 222 777), which also connected her to the Department of Social Development.

“I was moved to a safe house that provided holistic care for both my baby and me,” she shares. “I attended numerous programmes and learned many skills while there.”

Abigail credits the dedicated social workers of A21 and the Department of Social Development for their swift response and continuous support. “If it were not for my social worker, I would not be here today. She was patient and supportive, even when it was painful,” she says, acknowledging the crucial role her social worker played in her recovery and the provision of a safe house.

Finding Her Voice and Helping Others

Now, Abigail stands tall as a Survivor Leader in the non-profit organisation Not I but We, which employs survivors of human trafficking and teaches them skills to become self-sufficient. “I am grateful to Madison Barefield, who offered me more than a job,” she says.

“I now sit on the first survivor advisory board, where we have participated in research to shape policies on how survivors should be cared for. As the Survivor Exit Foundation, we are now advocating for the rights of victims and potential victims by taking a stance against the application to the High Court for full decriminalisation of sex work. As survivors, we emphatically say sex work is not work. We also have our own legislative proposition called the Sankara Model, put together by the founder of Embrace Dignity. This model calls for the end of gender-based violence through commercial sexual exploitation by offering a partial decriminalisation approach and the implementation of diversion programmes that provide rehabilitation and care for women exiting the commercial sex industry,” she added.

Reflecting on her journey, Abigail emphasises the psychological toll of trafficking.

“Trafficking is more than physical harm; it also affects victims psychologically. Many do not realise their own worth beyond the exploitation,” she explains.

Hopes for the Future

Abigail’s hopes include expanding businesses that assist victims of human trafficking in other provinces to empower survivors economically. “I want to be a voice for potential victims and survivors, a role model to them,” she states.

Human Trafficking in South Africa: A Grim Reality

According to a study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) published in July 2023, there are approximately 250,000 victims of human trafficking in South Africa. The study highlights that despite these staggering numbers, successful prosecutions of traffickers remain minimal. Rampant corruption within law enforcement has exacerbated the situation, allowing traffickers to operate with impunity and creating a rise in this scourge. This pervasive corruption not only undermines justice for victims but also perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and abuse.

Pursuing Justice and Hope

Abigail’s case is currently in court. Despite having witnessed the corruption within law enforcement, she remains hopeful that justice will be served. “I have seen the darker side of those meant to protect us, but I still believe in the justice system,” she says. She applauds the Hawks for their diligent work in bringing the perpetrators to book, expressing gratitude for their commitment to her case.

“Their dedication gives me hope that justice will prevail,” Abigail adds.

Abigail’s Message

“Now I am in my space of independence, and I choose not to be silent. I do not see myself as a victim but as a survivor and a voice for the voiceless,” Abigail concludes.

“The trauma is profound, and we need to speak more about the lives of human trafficking victims post-trauma. I want to be a voice for the voiceless because there is often little knowledge on how survivors of trafficking should be cared for. Additionally, I feel that much more needs to be done in terms of raising awareness as prosecution of traffickers is minimal, but the number of victims continues to increase.”

Abigail Smith’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of human trafficking survivors and the importance of supporting them in their journey towards healing and independence.

*Name changed for privacy.